BACKGROUND: The basis of the RAD, "Reichs Arbeitsdienst" (National Labor-service), dates back, at least, to 1929 with the formation of the AAD, "Anhalt Arbeitsdienst" (Anhalt Labor-service), and the FAD-B, "Freiwillingen Arbeitsdienst-Bayern" (Volunteer Labor-service [of]-Bavaria). Shortly after Hitler’s appointment as Chancellor, on January 30th, 1933, the NSDAP consolidated these, and other labor organizations, into the NSAD, "Nationalsozialist Arbeitsdienst" (National-socialist Labor-service) - a national labor service. In June of 1935 the NSAD was re-designated RAD. In July of the same year RAD service became compulsory, with all German citizens between 19 and 25 years of age required to enlist for a six month term. This law also decreed that all military conscripts serve a nine month term.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A 40mm high by 70mm wide tab. Rank of a "Obertruppführer". The base is made of blue/grey wool. The hand embroidered gilt bar, also known as ‘double filling’, is approximately 22mm wide and 65mm long. One moth nip to the front side. Buckrahm backing is complete. Was removed from a uniform. This particular tab was meant to be worn on the left collar.